Review: The Canon EOS R7- a game changer
The Canon EOS R7 has thrown down the challenge to the rest of the enthusiast camera world.
Make no mistake, this camera is a gamechanger and has firmly thrown down the challenge to the rest of the enthusiast camera world.
It boasts a host of pro level features found only in a handful of pro-level cameras. Consider the specifications: 32.5 megapixels, 30 frames per second (electrotonic, 15fps mechanical), in-built 5 axis stabilisation, full compatibility with the range RF lenses, video 4K 60P, dual memory cards, fully articulated monitor, thus making EOS R7 the most powerful APC-S camera available.
To me, subject tracking is the standout highlight, covering people and animals via eyes, head or body and motor sports in all autofocus modes. The autofocus system shares the same DNA as Canon’s premium pro level EOS R3. Having an APS-C sensor with a 1.6 crop factor offers a huge advantage shooting sport and wildlife. The shutter speed is 1/8000th second mechanically but changes to 1/16000th electronically.
The EOS R7 Kit comes with a 18–150mm f3.5 – 6.3 lens and makes a perfect travel combination. Once you combine the EOS R7 with a purpose specific lens, you open a world of wildlife and sport photographic opportunities unheard off in an APS-C camera, the added 1.6 crop factor giving a huge reach with 32.5 megapixels to capture the detail.
Add the superb autofocus system with its DNA linked to Dual Pixel AFII technology and you start to fully appreciate what Canon has delivered in essentially an entry level enthusiast model camera. Prominent camera retail outlets have the EOS R7 for approximately $2,200.00, the EOS R3 around $7,800.00 and the EOS R5 around $5,500.00. At $2349.00 (body only) or $2899 with the 18-150mm lens, the price tag makes the R7 unbeatable bang for your buck.
So enough with the specifications, what is it like in the hand. The menu system is straight forward, with a single switch to turn on and either choose stills or video. The menu items can be selected with buttons and dials, and you can use the touch screen monitor once the menu is open. The top of the camera has a normal selection dial for choosing the shooting mode. Here you choose Aperture Priority (AV) Shutter Priority (TV) Manual (M) Program Mode (P) and other capture scenario modes. The joystick on the rear is used to move the autofocus point and there is a large rotating dial to access the menu
All simple and very straightforward to enable you to be ready to capture.
The camera body is small and light and yet the body design allows a very comfortable grip and feels secure. There is a range of tracking system with autofocus; I simply went the simplest one and was amazed at the stunning performance. Tracking your 4-legged furry friend at play or a bird in flight is straightforward and the image quality is amazing. The burst rate of 30 frames per second allows the capture of 126. JPEG or $2 RAW images, outstanding in an enthusiast level camera.
Switch to capturing some travel snaps or scenery and the kit lens provide an effective focal range of 29mm through to 240mm, making this a great all around option camera package. The R7 includes both an EVF and a fully articulated monitor. This means users can decide between classic eye-level composing and vlogging-friendly, arms-length shooting. Being touch-sensitive, the LCD screen makes for easy menu navigation out in the field and enhances the shooting experience with touch AF and more.
It boasts 5-axis in-body image stabilisation, which in conjunction with selected RF lenses, can achieve up to 8 stops of image stabilisation. It lets you shoot handheld in dim light or while using slower shutter speeds. In simple terms this equates to handheld pin sharp images in low light or perhaps even eliminating a tripod on many occasions.
It‘s not only still photographers who will enjoy shooting with the Canon EOS R7 and its high-resolution image sensor. Video performance is excellent, with 4K60p recording available, as well as slow-motion suitable Full HD 120p video recording. To produce videos and vlogs of the highest quality, users can also record 4K30p video, which is oversampled from 7K for ultimate sharpness.
Finally, there is weather sealing to give peace of mind when shooting in fog or dust or for when you may get caught in a shower.
In summary, the EOS R7 Kit is a fantastic piece of gear, achieving an unheard-of level of image resolution, frames per second burst rate and focus tracking on an APS-C camera. The ability to attach the body to other RF lenses provides a mouth-watering cost-effective solution for wildlife and sports shooters. For someone who just wants a travel camera to cover a range of situations such as travel, landscapes, family portraits, pet photography and sport shooting where you can be close to the action, this is the camera kit that should be at the head of your choices for consideration.
Pros: 32.5 megapixels in an APS-C Sensor Buffer Capacity, 30 frames per second burst rate, autofocus Tracking system
Cons: Buffer capacity
Price: $2349.00 body only or $2899 with an 18-150mm lens.